Catapult Exercise a. Executing a process: Teams are handed a tape measure, a golf ball, and a catapult that has previously been set up. They can use no other equipment. They are told that each person...

Catapult Exercise

a. Executing a process: Teams are handed a tape measure, a golf ball, and a catapult that has previously been set up. They can use no other equipment. They are told that each person is to shoot five shots, and the time between shots is not to exceed 10 seconds. The distance from the catapult base to impact is recorded. Operators and inspector of shot distances are rotated until a total of 100 shots is completed. The range of shot distances is noted and compared to a range specification, e.g., 6 in., determined by the instructor. The data are saved in a time series format for future exercises. Note in the data who was the operator and inspector for each shot. Compare the range of shot distances for each catapult to the objective.

b. Process documentation: Teams are to create a flowchart of the catapult process, list potential improvement ideas, and then repeat the previous exercise. They are given the option of using additional material. For example, a carbon paper and blank paper combination (or aluminum foil) could aid the identification of the projection impact point. Or talcum powder could be put onto the ball before the ball is shot, to aid in marking ball impact position. In addition, tape is provided to hold the catapult and tape measure to the floor. Measurements are to be made as precisely as possible, to the nearest 0.1 in., for example. Compare the range of shot distances to the previous results. Save the data in a time series format for future exercises. For each show, record who on your team was the operator and inspector. Compare the range of these shot distances for each catapult to an objective provided by instructor (e.g., 6 in.). Also compare range of distances to previous exercise.